Job Description

Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change.



Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us.



Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.



We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Build AI Apps on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security.



But it's not just about the badges. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.



With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK - we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.



The Role



As a Presales AI Specialist, you will be the subject matter authority responsible for shaping and expanding Simpson Associates' AI capability. Embedded within the Presales function but working closely across Sales, Delivery, Marketing, and Microsoft partner channels, you will drive AI-focused opportunities, contribute to strategic advisory work, and support the creation and evolution of our AI offerings.



Key Responsibilities

Technical Proposals and Advisory:

As a Presales AI Specialist, you will support the Sales function by leading and contributing to AI-focused presales activity, including RFP/RFI responses, discovery sessions, and client meetings. You will provide clear and credible guidance on AI strategy, solution design, governance considerations, and responsible AI practices, ensuring proposals and recommendations are commercially aligned and technically robust. You will also help identify early-stage AI opportunities during customer engagements, positioning Simpson Associates as a trusted advisor in applying AI to real business challenges.

Advisory Delivery and Governance Enablement:

While part of the Presales organisation, you will also contribute to advisory-led delivery where specialist AI expertise is required. This includes conducting AI readiness assessments, defining AI use cases, supporting the design of AI operating models, and advising clients on responsible AI, model lifecycle management, and implementation pathways. You will work with Delivery to ensure AI requirements (technical, ethical, and operational) are accurately reflected in scopes, estimates, and engagement plans.

Proactive Account Engagement and Opportunity Identification:

You will work closely with Sales and Customer Success to proactively engage with existing accounts and identify whitespace opportunities where AI can add value. Through ongoing conversations and an understanding of client maturity, you will help shape account strategies and surface new opportunities across generative AI, predictive analytics, automation, and intelligent data workflows. In addition, through your close alignment with Microsoft and Databricks product teams, you will ensure our proposals reflect the latest AI platform capabilities such as OpenAI, Fabric, and Databricks Model Serving and partner priorities.

Development of AI Offerings:

You will collaborate with the CTO, Sales, Marketing, and Delivery to refine and evolve our AI propositions, ensuring they reflect market demand, partner direction, and industry best practice. This includes developing standardised frameworks, templates, use-case libraries, maturity models, and supporting collateral that strengthen our go-to-market approach and improve consistency across AI engagements.

Knowledge Sharing and Training:

You will stay informed on industry trends, AI frameworks, and developments in relevant technologies such as Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Fabric, and Databricks' AI/ML capabilities. You will share knowledge across Sales and Delivery teams, helping to build internal capability and promote consistent, responsible, and high-quality AI practices.

Outreach, Promotion and Representation:

As the AI lead within Simpson Associates, you will contribute to promotional and thought-leadership activities including webinars, events, blogs, and customer forums. You will represent the business at Microsoft and industry events, helping to raise our profile and support the development of new customer relationships and partnerships.



Skills and Attributes Required

Consulting:

You must demonstrate strong consultative skills with experience designing and advising on AI strategies, use cases, solution approaches, and operating models. You should be able to gather and interpret business requirements, translate them into practical AI solutions, and communicate complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A strong commercial understanding of how AI drives business value is essential.

Technical:

You must have hands-on experience with at least one modern AI or machine-learning platform typically Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, Microsoft Fabric, or Databricks' AI/ML tooling. Your expertise may focus on applying and designing AI solutions rather than purely building models from the ground up. In addition, you should have experience in one or more related domains such as data science, analytics, automation, MLOps, or responsible/ethical AI.

Project Delivery:

You must have experience contributing to the delivery of AI initiatives, including use-case definition, readiness assessments, solution design, and advisory around model governance or AI lifecycle processes. You must understand how to scope and structure AI workstreams, provide input into planning and estimation, and recognise typical risks, dependencies, and responsibilities required from both client and delivery teams.

Presales & Commercial Acumen:

You must demonstrate experience operating in a presales or customer-facing advisory capacity, with the ability to shape early-stage opportunities, support qualification, and contribute to compelling proposals. You should be comfortable identifying client needs, articulating the value of AI, and positioning appropriate services and solution approaches. A strong understanding of commercial considerations including scope, risk, ROI, and delivery feasibility is essential to ensure AI engagements are both achievable and aligned to customer outcomes.